Hannah Biver – Counselling in York
Registered Counsellor MBACP (Humanistic Integrative Approach with focus on the theraputic relationship)
Hannah Biver is a Registered Counsellor MBACP (Humanistic Integrative Approach with focus on the theraputic relationship) based in York, United Kingdom. They offer Counselling (10 years of experience). Topics include Cross Cultural Issues, Feeling Lost, Marriage Or Relationship Issues, Significant Life Changes, and Significant Loss. Languages: English.
Counselling
10 years of experience
Therapist in France offers trauma care and healing through authentic relationships - Reach out for support (EN)
Video transcript
Hi, my name is Hannah, I'm a counsellor currently living in the north of France but I'm from the north of England. I qualified 10 years ago as a counsellor at York St John University and I've since just been working for a number of different organisations and charities and also in private practice. My work as a therapist is really focused on the relationship. I believe that there is healing that can happen when we develop a relationship together that is able to be one of respect, where we're able to build trust and where we're able to just show up authentically. And so I hope that's something that we would be able to do together. You know, one of my main areas of focus or experience is in trauma and trauma care. And I understand the damage that trauma can can put in somebody's life to their sense of self, to their ability to like themselves, to know themselves or to even feel a connection to their own emotions and their own body. And so I hope that the space that we can build together would be able to offer a place of safety and hopefully support you towards healing. I understand there's so many experiences that can cause us to feel lost, disconnected from ourselves or overpowered and I suppose my hope and therapy is that I can help people to reclaim that sense of authority over their own lives. An ability to just feel your body again. An ability to understand your emotions. The ability to like yourself. And I hope that If you're in a place in your life that you are feeling stuck, where you feel that nobody sees you. that you don't really know how to show your true self to people because it's so hidden. I hope that you can get in touch just to ask some questions to begin a conversation and to see if this therapy in space could help you or whether I can help signpost you to another therapist who could. The place that you're at right now with being able to try and find a therapist is a really important part of therapy. I know there's a tendency to skip past the part quickly But my encouragement to you is that you take time because if you do, it can be a really vital process of you really being able to connect with what you value, of who you connect with, what type of therapy resonates for you and what you really want and need at this stage of your journey. you know healing comes in waves and you know this is a stage of your life where you'll be able to find healing and I suppose the question is what do you need right now and who can help you right now. So if you have questions I hope that you can reach out to myself or any of the other therapists and we're here to support you. So I wish you well and I hope that you find what it is that you need right now. So all my best.
A short introduction. I am a registered member of the BACP with 10 years of professional experience. If you have experienced a loss of self or a self that you never had the opportunity to develop - perhaps we can work together.
Bio
Have you experienced a loss of self, from personal trauma, a faith crisis or navigating life as an expat?
I am a Trauma-informed therapist who can work with a range of presenting issues. From Addictions, Anxiety and Depression, Self-esteem, LGBTQ+ informed, Sexuality and Relationships, Healing from abuse (including narcissistic partners), Navigating loss and significant life changes including Faith-crisis.
As I listen to my clients – I have found that there is healing in being able to witness pain as well as joy. There can be healing as we start to offer space for the complex parts of ourselves. I understand that our society and the relationships we often exist in can cause us more pain. I have experienced in my work that as human beings we have a deep need to be seen, to be heard and to be believed. If you choose to work with me – we will create a space and a relationship where I will begin to hear you, see you and believe you. And most importantly that through the relationship and space we build together – that you can begin to hear, see and believe yourself. It’s my experience that in therapy we can begin to develop healthier relationships with ourselves.
There is a term in the therapeutic field called ‘the wounded healer’. I am not here as an expert who has all the answers. I have personal wounds and I have experienced that healing is not a linear process. Healing occurs in many stages. What I can offer to each of my clients is patience and understanding in this process.
I have learnt over the years to sit with my own pain. I can allow my emotions to exist and I can notice how my emotions manifest in my body. This has given me the capacity to be with my clients in their deep pain. I have a curiosity that can enable my clients to start to encounter blocks and find parts of themselves that they haven’t had access to.
Through experience I have come to understand that the process of therapy is very personal. I don’t have a set model that I fit to all my clients. Rather I will listen to you and work with you to support your desires and your needs. I will always work ethically within my profession but I am okay to be flexible where possible. I will respect your personal process and timing. I also understand that counselling is an investment of your resources – your money and time. I am committed that I will not take advantage of either. This is your process and you have authority.
As you can read further – I have professional counselling experience working in a variety of organisations. In this work I have supported clients with a range of life experiences. If you feel a resonance with the way I work – please get in touch and we can discuss further if we could be a good fit.
The following are three areas that I am particularly passionate about. If you are experiencing any of these challenges and life situations – I am happy to talk with you further about how I can support you. • Trauma in your life: this process is not about you reliving the trauma but about understanding how the trauma(s) in your life have ruptured a connection with yourself. We can then focus on reconnection. • Faith Crisis / or leaving a high demand religion or cult: I can support you as you grapple with a complex journey of grief and change. • Navigating life as an expat: This can be a dual experience of loss of self and self discovery.
I’m happy to speak with you via message or to have an initial conversation to answer questions you may have.
Experience
My first ‘therapeutic’ experiences were in 2007 when I worked in Northern Ireland. I met many individuals and families deeply affected by traumas they had experienced. I started to learn how to provide spaces for people to share their stories. These relationships and the resilience and power I have witnessed in individuals has deeply enriched my life.
I have worked therapeutically with individuals and families living in Yorkshire, England and internationally. For many of the people I have worked with – they have experienced complex trauma and have been living with multiple challenges and limited means.
I have specialised training and experience working with addictions, supporting individuals and families affected by sexual abuse, relationship therapy (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) and play therapy.
In 2017 I began working as the therapist at Harrogate Homeless Hostel in England where I provided one to one therapy sessions for clients in the hostel, day service and move on properties.
From my experiences I have learnt the value of honesty and being a sincere practitioner. I know that so many of my clients would have seen straight through me if I was anything other than myself. People who have experienced complex trauma see inauthenticity.
Since 2015 I have been working in private practice. I attend supervision sessions to support my practice and work according to the standards and ethics of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I am committed to creating safe spaces where my clients can move closer towards personal healing and growth.
A note to organisations: During my work at Harrogate Homeless Hostel I facilitated reflective practice sessions for staff and volunteers and helped develop PIE (psychologically informed environment).
Qualifications
In 2015 I qualified as a professional Counsellor and Psychotherapist from York St John University in England. York St John has a BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) accredited program.
During my training and post qualification years I provided one to one counselling sessions. I earned the hours necessary to become a Registered Member of BACP.
In 2012 I graduated with a BA in Counselling Studies at York St John University.
As a professional counsellor I have attended CPD (Continued Professional Development) courses covering: Trauma, Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, Domestic Abuse and Violence, Addiction, Attachment & Self Awareness, Working with Young people & Children, an Existential summit, Relationship Therapy and a training to Facilitate Reflective Practice sessions for organisations.